Winter Protection Program
Low-income residents with a financial hardship designation may not be shut off from November 1 to May 1 each year. Customers may learn more about the moratorium here: home heating moratorium. Low-income residents should contact their utility or Community Action Agency (CAA) to receive a financial hardship designation. The utility or CAA will need proof of income eligibility, which could be proof of receipt of certain government benefits or proof of income.
Who Qualifies for the Winter Protection Program
Residents in CT qualify for the Winter Protection Program if they have a financial hardship or medical protection designation on their electric or gas account.
Financial hardship or medical protection are defined by but not limited to:
- Customers who receive public or private energy assistance
- Customers whose incomes are at or below 125% of the federal poverty level
- Customers who receive state, city, Medicaid and/or federal or state financial assistance
- A customer whose physician’s office certifies they or someone in their household has a serious or life-threatening illness
Shut Offs and Life-Threatening Situations
In Connecticut, gas and electricity may not be shut off any time if a customer’s physician’s office certifies that their account qualifies for a life-threatening medical protection designation. The designation must be renewed annually, and the customer must continue to make payments on their current bill and/or be enrolled in a payment arrangement.